FAQ

Does Ohio have a state exam that a candidate must pass for licensure?
No. For a veterinary license, a candidate must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). For a veterinary technician registration, a candidate must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Are foreign veterinary graduates eligible for licensure in Ohio prior to receiving ECFVG certification?
No. A foreign graduate must complete steps 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the ECFVG program to become licensed.
Can a foreign graduate work as a registered veterinary technician?
No.
Who do I contact to transfer my national test scores?
The Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA): 1-877-698-8482.
Who can apply for a Veterinary License by Reciprocity?
A candidate who currently holds a valid unencumbered license in another state.
What is a Letter of Good Standing?
A letter that is produced by a State Veterinary Licensing Board stating whether any disciplinary action was ever taken on your current or expired veterinary license in that state and the status of that license (active/expired/suspended/etc.). A letter of good standing is required from each and every state that you have ever been licensed.
How can I request a Letter of Good Standing from the Ohio Board?
You will need to complete a request for licensure verification form which can be found under the 'forms' tab on our website; stating your full name, current address and license #; you will also need to include the name and address of the State Board where the form needs to be mailed. This request can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the OVMLB. The Ohio Board does not charge a fee for this service.
How can I request another copy of my license or wall certificate?
You will need to complete a request for a duplicate wall certificate form which can be found under the 'forms' tab on our website; requesting a duplicate paper license and/or a duplicate wall certificate. There is no charge for a duplicate paper license. However, there is a $35.00 fee for a duplicate wall certificate (suitable for framing). Checks are to be made payable to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.
If I get married or divorced and change my name, do I need to request a new license and purchase a new wall certificate?
You should notify the OVMLB by submitting a change of name/address form which can be found under the 'forms' tab on our website. You are not required to purchase a new wall certificate. However, if you would like a new wall certificate to reflect your current name, you will need to complete/submit a duplicate wall certificate form to the OVMLB and include the $35.00 fee, made payable to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.
Is a candidate eligible to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in Ohio by working under a veterinarian for a specific period of time?
No. To become a Registered Veterinary Technician, a candidate must have a degree in Animal Health Technology from and approved accredited school and meet all requirements by the Ohio Board.
I have a new address. Can I contact the OVMLB via telephone with these changes?
No. Address changes must be in written form. Please complete/submit a change of name/address form which can be found under the 'forms' tab on our website. You can email, fax or mail the form.
If I have a felony, can I still get a license?
A question that the Board staff routinely receives revolves around the same issue: What misdemeanors or felonies will disallow an applicant from receiving a license or registration? The answer is generally that the Board is sympathetic to their plight, however the Board staff cannot provide a firm answer. A misdemeanor or felony conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from obtaining a license. Please note, however, that a felony conviction involving physical violence or drugs will be reviewed more carefully by the Board members.
At the time that the applicant submits their application for licensure or registration, the Board will review the circumstances surrounding the conviction and any other mitigating factors as determined by the Board members sitting on the Board. The Board members serve for three year periods and those terms are staggered. Therefore, the Board may have different members serving each year. Those members may have different views than the ones serving today. As a result, the Board cannot comment on what a Board will decide regarding the application submitted for license or registration in the future.
In some circumstances, the Board may license an individual, but enter into a Consent Agreement where they would place practice restrictions on the individual for a probationary period. It is always best to be truthful with the Board and provide as much information that might be helpful to the Board in making an informed decision.